Aiming for the first league victory, we will fight until the last second.
This season, Tokyo has been forced to play away games due to the unavailability of Ajinomoto Stadium for the Rugby World Cup in the summer. Despite the tough schedule, captain Keigo Higashi reveals that the team is still in a position to aim for their first league championship.
Fight until the end of the tough 8 away games
How do you feel about the 8 consecutive away games that have been going on since the end of August?
"Playing away from home is already difficult, and we have a series of away games from summer to mid-November. In the midst of that, our record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in the 6 consecutive games until the end of October shows that it's not easy. Of course, the opposing team will have momentum as it is their home game, and they will put immense pressure on us from the start, making it a very challenging battle. However, we have not fallen apart and have been able to accumulate points steadily so far."
- Wasn't the 28th round match against Tosu, which ended in a comeback defeat, a frustrating game?
"It was a game where we were able to create many chances and we should have scored when we had the chance. There is always a reason for winning or losing, and I don't believe in coincidences. We need to face the reality of being overturned in the final stages. How should we have controlled the remaining time while leading? This is always a challenge for us, but even though we lost, we didn't become emotional and discussed the reasons for our defeat within the team."
――Such team attitude led to victory in the next Kobe match.
"In the 26th round, we were unable to score in the flow of the game against Kashima, but we were able to score three goals in the first half and effectively advance time while maintaining the lead. In the late stages when we were under attack, we changed to a three-back formation and flexibly strengthened our defense, which allowed us to steadily take three points. Arthur SILVA's mid-range shot was also a new scoring pattern that we did not see in the first half of the season. If we can score both in the flow of the game and on set pieces, our attack will become stronger and it will be a great motivation for players who started for the first time or did not have many opportunities to play. It was a very important away game as we head towards the end of the season."
- Kenta HASEGAWA, the coach, also said when he took over as coach in the 2018 season that in order to win the league, a new force that brings momentum to the team is necessary.
"Now is the time for young players to challenge themselves as we compete for the championship. Center back Tsuyoshi WATANABE is one of the players who has taken advantage of the team's momentum this season, and I hope to see other young players show bold plays as well. I believe the coach is also waiting for the emergence of such players. New talent can bring a burst of energy to the team, and I think that kind of atmosphere and talent is present in the team right now."
――At the end of October, Coach Hasegawa's contract renewal was officially announced by the club.
"I think the team as a whole has changed since Coach Masaru HASEGAWA took over in Tokyo. Under the strict discipline of the coach, the team has become even more determined and the quality of soccer has matured even more in the second year compared to the first year. Many players have joined or left the team since last season, but the team's core remains unchanged. The coach clearly points out what is good or bad, what is being done well or not, making it easy for players to play and giving them a sense of growth. We want to continue building on this situation and we must achieve good results this season in order to lead to next year."
- This season, I am leading the team as captain.
"I always feel the responsibility to do what I have to do. I wanted to change the team, make it stronger, and I also wanted to change myself, become a better player. Even if I say strong words, I have to show that I am worthy of being a captain. It won't resonate with everyone if I don't continue to play and fight in every game, and speak to the team. However, this is the most important part. I have to continue what I have been doing until the end. I want to win in Tokyo, and there are players who have a strong desire for that."
Thoughts on aiming for a victory at Ajinomoto after about 3 months
――The Sec. 32 Shonan game on November 23rd will be the first home game in about 3 months since August.
"I want to fight at home as soon as possible. I can't wait for the atmosphere at Ajinomoto Stadium. This season, we have a good winning percentage of 12 wins and 3 losses at Ajinomoto Stadium. When the stands are filled with blue and red fans and supporters, the opposing team will surely feel a lot of pressure. Before the 8 consecutive away games, I declared that I would come back in first place, so I want to keep that promise and return to Ajinomoto Stadium in first place."
- In the same stadium, the Rugby World Cup was held and there were many exciting matches.
"We want to create that kind of excitement ourselves this time. As a club in the capital Tokyo, we want to liven up the J-League and leave good results in the remaining away games, and then return to Ajinomoto and play in front of a full house."
- Please share your thoughts on "Until the Last Second", which the club has set as the theme for the last two home games.
"From my experience, soccer is a sport where you never know who will win until the very end. Even if you are leading the game, there are times when you can be turned around in the last play. It is important to never give up and fight until the end. Until the last second, we must all stay focused and aim for the top, and fight until the end."
- Since joining Tokyo in 2013, player Higashi has always said he wants to fight in a tense atmosphere until the end of the season.
"As a player, I must be happy in this situation. That's why I want to enjoy until the last game. I have never experienced competing for the league championship in such an exciting tension like many teammates, but on the other hand, I can also say that I am fearless. We have nothing to lose, so I want to strive for our first championship as challengers with all my heart."
- Finally, I would like to send a message to all the fans and supporters.
"The second half of the season was filled with consecutive away games, but we are truly grateful for the large number of fans and supporters who came to the faraway stadiums to support us. There are only two home games left at Ajinomoto Stadium this season, but I hope to invite as many friends as possible to come to Ajinomoto. A full stadium gives us courage and boosts the team's morale. I want to fight until the last second of the season with the many fans and supporters who love Tokyo. Thank you for your support!"
